the libreoffice human interface guidelines (hig)
TRANSCRIPT
LibreOffice Aarhus 2015 Conference Presentation Template
The LibreOffice Human Interface Guidelines (HIG)
Heiko Tietze,
Yousuf (Jay) Philips
and the UX team
Presentation goal
Introduction what has been done so far
Presentation of the foundations for UX
Illustration how the HIG works
Discussion of issues with advanced patterns
Overall goal: Attract more people to utilize the HIG
Vision
Every project needs a vision to steer itself in a proper direction.
Provides a definitive path to achieve objectives as best as possible
Describes spirit and purpose of a project
Explains why the world becomes better with the product
Defines to direction but leaves
room for creativity
LibreOffice Vision
Simple for beginners and powerful for experts.
Novices can start to work with LO without the need to read a manual
In every situation the user is confronted with only a few options - but can get all on demand
Experts will have access to all functionality
Full access keeps usability first but might need some training
Persona
Personas identify the target users of your application and provide a common understanding among the design and development team.
are based on empirical data, at best
describe the target users, giving a clear picture of how they're likely to use the system, and what theyll expect from it.
includes a concise summary of characteristics of the user, their experience, goals and tasks, pain points, and environmental conditions.
Kaley Cuoco als Penny (Big Bang Theory); CBS Television, Wikimedia
LibreOffice Persona
May I introduce
Benjamin, Beginner Eve, Expert Adrian, Admin
Copyright information have been added to the wiki
Requirements
Next to functional requirements, usability cares about non-functional aspects. Basically effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction but according ISO 9241-110 also
Suitability
Self-descriptiveness
Controllability
Familiarity
Robustness
Individualization
Learnability
LibreOffice UX Manifesto
LibreOffice focuses on:
Simplicity by default with full functionality on demand
Every processing has two ways of access: a very simple way with the core features only and an advanced way with all features
Consistency over Efficiency
Users should feel familiar with all tools rather than having specialized apps.
Usability over Graphical Design
Form follows function, LibreOffice respects the OS theming.
What we achieved so far
Controls and Patterns
Provide access to all functions via the menu bar.
Provide access to most frequently used functions via the tool bar.
Provide access to context functions via the context menu.
HIG on menubar
https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Design/MenuBar
HIG on menubar
The menu bar provides access to all functions using submenus or cascading menus to structure the content. Users like the persona Eve refer frequently to the menu bar, especially when they are seeking a function for which they know of no other interface. Ensuring that menus are well organized, are worded clearly, and behave correctly is crucial to the users ability to explore and access the functionality of the application.
Empirical data
Guidelines should be based on empirical data
For example: over 70%
of users start data source
from menu bar
https://wiki.openoffice.org/wiki/Tracking_results
HIG on toolbar
Where we need more discussion
Controls and Patterns
Provide access to context properties via the side bar.
Provide comprehensive access to all features in property dialogs.
Sidebars
Sidebars contain of tabs, decks, content and have own configuration
Sidebars
Sidebars contain of tabs, decks, content and have own configuration
Sidebars aims to provide quick access to most frequently changed options based on context
Sidebars
Sidebars contain of tabs, decks, content and have own configuration
Sidebars aims to provide quick access to most frequently changed options based on context
Sidebars are alternatives to floating toolbars
Sidebars
Sidebars contain of tabs, decks, content and have own configuration
Sidebars aims to provide quick access to most frequently changed options based on context
Sidebars are alternatives to floating toolbars
Sidebars offer access to all functionality regarding a certain feature
Sidebars
Sidebars contain of tabs, decks, content and have own configuration
Sidebars aims to provide quick access to most frequently changed options
Sidebars are alternatives to floating toolbars
Sidebars offer access to all functionality regarding a certain feature
Sidebar should be kind of a container for floating panels
#tdf 33223
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